Should You Keep Your Old iPhone On iOS 5 For Google Maps?

We've seen the differences between Apple Maps and Google Maps before. We know that Apple Maps, as pretty as they may be, is not as data intensive nor does it have the public transit directions of Google Maps. So if you're not getting the iPhone 5, should you not upgrade to iOS 6 also? Because if you stay on iOS 5, you can keep Google Maps on your iPhone.

It's obviously a case-by-case decision but I don't think iOS 6 is the automatic upgrade other iOS versions have been. If you're a driver and want turn-by-turn directions, Apple Maps will probably be good for you, so update ahead! But if you're an iPhone 4 owner who's Siri-less and lives in a big city and relies on public transportation directions, there's nothing too appealing on iOS 6 that warrants losing Google Maps. Seriously.

Check out the feature list of iOS 6, no feature is as compelling as iCloud or Notification Center or iMessage or the App Store from previous iOS versions. Sure, there are improvements overall, but I'm pretty sure I won't be losing any sleep about the lack of Facebook integration or Mail VIPs or iCloud tabs in Safari on iOS 5. So yeah, if you're getting an iPhone 5, you have no choice, your phone will be on iOS 6. But if you're not upgrading, I think the smart move is to wait and see what happens with iOS Google Maps from Google before you get excited for iOS 6. What do you guys think?

Trending Stories Right Now

The indigenous people of Easter Island, the Rapa Nui, experienced a societal collapse after the 17th century because they stripped the island clean of its natural resources. Or at least, that’s the leading theory. An analysis of the tools used by the Rapa Nui to build their iconic stone statues suggests a very different conclusion, pointing to the presence of a highly organised and cohesive society.

While some folks may be worrying about Google’s next phone, especially with leaks suggesting the Pixel 3 could sport the biggest notch we’ve seen on a handset yet, it seems Google may have more immediate concerns after the release of Android 9 Pie created issues with charging speeds on the original Pixel XL.